Storage device having protective means

ABSTRACT

A storage device for plate-shaped data carriers, said storage device being box-shaped and comprising a first and a second cover part, pivotally connected, wherein fixing means are provided for fixing the data carrier within the storage device, the storage device being injection molded from plastic, in particular polypropylene or the like, and being closable, and protective means being integrally injection molded in the storage device during manufacture.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser.No. 09/913,906, filed Jan. 22, 2002, the specification of which isincorporated herein by reference, which claims priority based on anInternational Application filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty,PCT/NL00/00105, filed on Feb. 18, 2000, which claims priority toNL1011331, filed on Feb. 18, 1999.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a storage device for plate-shaped datacarriers. Such storage device is known from FR 2 605 747.

This known storage device is injection molded, an electrical circuitincorporated therein. This circuit consists of a capacitor and a coilfor responding to specific frequencies emitted from an antenna of ananti theft equipment. In this know storage device said electricalcircuit is identical for each and every storage device.

A further storage device for plate-shaped data carriers is known frominternational patent application WO 97/20315.

This known storage device is box-shaped, at least in closed condition,and comprises a first and a second cover part, pivotally interconnectedfor the opening and closing thereof. Provided within the storage deviceare fixing means for retaining the data carrier. This known storagedevice is presently substantially manufactured through injectionmolding. Such device is, for instance, intended for storing CDs,diskettes, minidisks, creditcards or the like.

European patent application 0 420 350 teaches a storage devicecomprising a slightly box-shaped closing part with bottom and verticalwalls, while the second closing part is cover-shaped and can be pressedagainst the first closing part for closing it. Adjacent a central areathereof, the first closing part comprises resilient fingers capable ofengaging a central opening of a CD so as to retain said CD in a positionapproximately parallel to said bottom face. The first and second closingparts are detachably interconnected. Such box is intended for storingCDs and is usually referred to as jewelbox.

These known storage devices have as a drawback that the data carrierscan easily get loose therefrom, and more in particular that they caneasily be removed therefrom, while, moreover, the storage devicesthemselves can easily be removed, imitated, damaged or otherwisemanipulated fraudulently.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention is to provide a storage device of the typedescribed in the preamble, which is more suitably and more universallyapplicable for storing data carriers. In particular, the object of theinvention is to provide storage devices which offer better protectionagainst theft and/or imitation.

To that end, a storage device according to the present invention ischaracterized by a protective means designed such that specific productinformation is incorporated therein so that an unequivocal relationshipbetween the storage device and the data earlier is established.

Injection molding storage devices of the present type offers theadvantage that they can be manufactured in a simple and fast manner, andwith great precision. The advantage achieved by including, duringinjection molding, protective means in or on the storage device, is thatthese protective means cannot be removed from the storage device, or atleast not without clearly visible damage. This means that unacceptablemanipulation of the storage device will be directly visible thereon, sothat authenticity can be guaranteed. Moreover, the advantage achieved byinjection molding the protective means integrally with the device isthat they can be secured directly during the manufacture of the storagedevice, so that no further fastening means or operations are necessary.

In this context, “protective means” should at least be understood tomeans anti-theft means and authentication means.

A storage device according to the present invention a directrelationship is established between the storage device and a datacarrier to be inserted therein. An unequivocal relationship between saidstorage device and the or each data carrier is established sincespecific product information is incorporated in said protective means.

It is preferred that a CD box of the present type be injection moldedfrom polypropylene or a like plastic having a high shock-absorbingpower, a suitable elastic modulus, relatively high flexibility anddimensional stability. Such storage device is particularly suitable forprotecting data carriers, in particular during dispatch thereof, forinstance via the mail, courier services and the like. Indeed, suchstorage box will protect the data carrier in a particularly effectivemanner against impact loads and the like occurring during transport,while the data carrier cannot be removed from the storage device withoutany trouble.

In a first advantageous embodiment, a storage device according to thepresent invention is characterized by a protective means with aproduct-specific printing provided during manufacture in the mold andincluded in or on the storage device.

The product-specific printing of at least a part of the storage deviceoffers the advantage that it is easily and unequivocally recognizablewhether the storage device belongs to the data carrier included therein.Moreover, on such printing, it can be readily visible whether itconcerns the authentic storage device for the data carrier in question.The advantage achieved by providing the printing during manufacture ofthe storage device in the mold is that during manufacture, the printingforming part of the protective means is directly incorporated in or onthe storage device, while the printing will adhere to the storage devicein such a manner that it can no longer be removed therefrom withoutdamage.

In a further advantageous embodiment, a device according to the presentinvention is characterized by a protective means having magnetic orelectronically readable means which are preferably substantiallyentirely surrounded by the material of the storage device.

The use of magnetic or electronically readable means offers theadvantage that the presence of or at least displacements of the storagedevice can readily be established by detection means suitable therefor.Thus, for instance unobserved removal of the storage devices from a shopor storehouse can be rendered considerably more difficult or can even beprevented. The magnetic or electronic means can be designed such thatspecific product information can be incorporated therein, so that anunequivocal relationship between the storage device and an associateddata carrier can be established. This also makes it still easier toassess whether it concerns the authentic storage device. In thisrespect, it is preferred that the magnetic or electronic means be atleast largely surrounded by the plastic from which the storage device isformed. Thus, unintended and improper manipulation thereof is renderedconsiderably more difficult.

In a further alternative embodiment, a storage device according to thepresent invention is further characterized by a sealing means, for whichpurpose at least one cover part is provided with a number of lip-shapedsealing elements, while when the storage device is closed, the sealingelement is movable by at least a portion of its surface against theouter side of the other cover part and can be fixedly connected thereto,preferably through at least partial fusion, the arrangement being suchthat the data carrier disposed in the storage device cannot be removedtherefrom without breaking the sealing means.

The sealing means offer the advantage that a data carrier can easily beinserted into the storage device and be retained therein, in such amanner that it can no longer be removed therefrom without this beingvisible on the sealing means. After all, for doing so, the sealing meanshave to be broken. Because the sealing means are formed integrally withthe storage device, in particular injection molded integrally therewith,the advantage achieved is that the sealing means cannot be broken and/orremoved and, after manipulation, for instance the removal or copyingthereof, cannot be placed back again or replaced by new sealing means.

In a further advantageous embodiment, a storage device according to thepresent invention is further characterized by a sealing means having atleast one strip-shaped or band-shaped element which, after closing thestorage device, is arranged so as to overlap at least a part of a seambetween the first and the second cover part, and which is securedagainst the two cover parts.

The use of a holographic or comparable image forming an integral part ofthe storage device offers the advantage that it is protected againstimitation even more properly. Indeed, reproduction of a hologram or alike image is not easily possible, while the removal thereof is notpossible without damage, so that the holograms cannot be reused on otherstorage devices, while storage devices from which such holographicimages have been removed cannot be reused either, because of the damageoccurred. Such a storage device would at least be directly recognizable.

In a further advantageous embodiment, a storage device according topresent invention is further characterized by a protective means havingat least one bar-code.

A bar-code makes the storage device easy to recognize and individualize.By integrally injection molding such barcode, in particular as anintegrally formed printing, removal or alteration thereof is renderedconsiderably more difficult or even impossible.

In an alternative embodiment, a storage device according to the presentinvention is further characterized by a protective means having sealingmeans provided on or against the fixing means, the arrangement beingsuch that a data carrier placed in the storage device cannot be removedtherefrom without breaking the sealing means.

In such storage device, the data carrier cannot be detached from thestorage device without the sealing means being broken, in disregard ofthe question whether the storage device can be opened prior to thebreaking of the sealing means. This offers, for instance, thepossibility of viewing the data carrier in the storage device orobserving further information included in the storage device without thesealing means having to be broken. Moreover, such sealing means can beused as additional protective means.

In a preferred embodiment, a storage device according to the presentinvention is further characterized by manufacture through injectionmolding from a plastic having a melt higher than 20, preferably higherthan 30, in particular higher than 40 and even more in particular about50.

Manufacturing a storage device from a plastic having a relatively highmelt offers the advantage that relatively thin-walled product parts canbe manufactured with a relatively long flow travel. As a result, astorage device according to the present invention can be manufacturedfrom relatively little material. This offers advantages in terms ofeconomy and production, for instance due to relatively short cycleperiods and low material costs. Moreover, the advantage thus achieved isthat during dispatch of the storage devices with data carriers includedtherein, only relatively low dispatch costs have to be made. By using aplastic having a melt higher than 20, preferably higher than 30, theseadvantages are already obtained. However, it is preferred that an evenhigher melt be used, for instance higher than 40 and more in particularhigher than 50. A higher melt offers the additional advantage thatparticularly little friction will occur between the walls of the moldand an injection molding mass moving therealong, in particular the flowskin thereof. This is advantageous in particular when, in a storagedevice according to the present invention, a printing is provided in themold for inclusion in or on at least a part of the storage device, asdescribed hereinabove, because damage to said printing is simplyprevented thereby. This is partly because of the fact that for this,relatively low injection molding pressures may suffice.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, a storage device according tothe present invention is further characterized by injection molding inone piece, preferably at least substantially from clear polypropylene ora like plastic suitable for forming integrally injection molded pivots.

Injection molding the storage device in one piece from polypropylene ora like plastic offers the advantage that the cover part cannot beseparated from the bottom port or from the fixing means without anydamage, so that improper manipulation of a data carrier included thereincan be prevented even more simply, while it is moreover protectedagainst damage in an even better manner. In addition, such storagedevice offers the advantage that it can be manufactured integrally in afast and simple manner.

In a further advantageous embodiment, a storage device according to theinvention is characterized by manufacture from clear, transparentplastic and wherein a preferably at least partially transparent printingis provided, said printing being at least partially visible from twoopposite sides of a printed part of the device.

Designing the storage device in clear, transparent plastic offers theadvantage that a printing can be provided therein or thereon which isvisible at least on a part of the storage device from two sides thereof,for instance on the outer and inner sides of a cover part or bottompart. This readily prevents the necessity of providing such printing ontwo sides. Moreover, such storage device has a particularly pleasantoutward appearance. By giving the printing an at least partiallytransparent design, the attractiveness of this outward appearance caneven be further increased, while, moreover, the data carrier can berendered at least partially visible from the outer side of the storagedevice, if so desired. Further, such at least partially transparentprinting requires a high precision, so that the copying thereof iscomplicated still further.

The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a storagedevice according to the present invention, characterized by the steps ofplacing protective means in a mold and subsequently forming at least aportion of the storage device against or around the protective means inthe mold, preferably through injection molding, such that the protectivemeans cannot be removed from the relevant part without damage, andfurther characterized in that product information of a data carrier tobe stored in said storage device is being incorporated in saidprotective means.

In a first particularly advantageous embodiment, a method according tothe present invention is characterized by the carrier being slightlystretched before or during placement in the mold, such that it is pulledtaut.

The provision of a printing in the mold prior to the introduction of aplastic injection molding mass offers the advantage that integralincorporation of the printing in or on the relevant product part to beformed can readily be provided. By providing the printing on a carrier,such that the printing with the carrier can be placed in the mold,placement becomes possible in a simple manner. By slightly expanding thecarrier prior to and/or during its placement in the mold, such that thecarrier is under some tension, preferably on all sides, it is easilyprovided that any wrinkles or the like in the carrier and, accordingly,in the printing, are removed and/or the formation thereof duringplacement is prevented. Thus, in a particularly simple and reliablemanner, the printing with the carrier can be introduced into the mold soas to be completely smooth. It is preferred that the carrier adheres tothe wall of the mold, for instance through a static load, throughreduced pressure between carrier and mold part, through sticking or inanother suitable manner. The plastic can then be provided against theprinting and/or the carrier, such that the printing starts to form anintegral part of the relevant product part, preferably the storagedevice formed in one piece. Partly due to the tension used, the carriermay be particularly thin and, for instance, supplied from a roll.

For this, a carrier can be used which disappears at least largely, dueto the introduction of the plastic mass, or is incorporated thereinentirely or partially. Alternatively, a carrier can be used which fuseswith said plastic.

In an alternative, particularly advantageous embodiment, a methodaccording to the present invention is characterized by printing on awall part of the mold or a carrier provided thereon.

By providing a printing in the mold, directly on the wall thereof, forinstance utilizing an impressing technique, a printing technique or thelike, the advantage achieved is that no carrier is required, at leastthat the carrier need not be printed prior to its positioning in a mold.Preferably, the carrier is left out entirely. In particular with such amethod, the printing can be adjusted for each storage device, if sodesired. For instance, a printing apparatus can be used which iscontrolled by means of, for instance, a computer, so that for a seriesof storage devices, the printing can in each case be adjusted,completely or partially. In this manner, each successive printing maycarry a different, unique recognition code, for further authentication.It is even possible to supply desired printings to the apparatusremotely, for instance via a telephone or computer network.

In a further advantageous embodiment, a method according to the presentinvention is characterized by protective means having magnetic and/orelectronic means which are positioned on a carrier in the mold,whereupon plastic is squirted around the magnetic and/or electronicmeans, such that the carrier is enclosed or incorporated therein ordisappears therein, for instance through burning or sublimation.

The positioning of protective means such as magnetic and/or electronicmeans on one or more carriers in the mold prior to the introduction ofthe plastic mass therein, offers the advantage that these protectivemeans can be incorporated and fixed in the storage device in aparticularly simple manner.

The invention further relates to an apparatus for manufacturing astorage device according to the invention or for using a methodaccording to the present invention.

Further embodiments of a storage device or method according to thepresent invention are given in the subclaims and the specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To clarify the invention, exemplary embodiments of a storage device anda method, and of an apparatus for the manufacture or use thereofaccording to the invention, will hereinafter be further described, withreference to the accompanying drawings. In these drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view and side elevation of a storage device in opencondition;

FIG. 2 is a sectional side elevation of a storage device according toFIG. 1, suitable for substantially circular data carriers such as CDs;

FIG. 2 a is an enlarged sectional view of a storage device taken on theline A-A in FIG. 2;

FIG. 3 is a partially sectional side elevation of a storage deviceaccording to FIG. 1, suitable for substantially rectangular datacarriers, such as diskettes and minidisks;

FIG. 4 is a sectional side elevation of a storage device according toFIG. 1 in a further alternative embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a storage device in a furtheralternative embodiment;

FIG. 6 schematically shows an apparatus for manufacturing a storagedevice according to the invention;

FIG. 6 a shows an alternative embodiment of a device according to theinvention;

FIG. 7 is a partially sectional side elevation of sealing meansaccording to the invention;

FIG. 8 is a front view of a storage device according to the invention,with alternative protective means;

FIG. 9 shows an alternative embodiment of a storage device;

FIG. 10 schematically shows an apparatus for fitting protective means asshown in FIG. 8; and

FIG. 11 shows a strip for protective means as shown in FIGS. 8-10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In this specification, identical or corresponding parts have identicalor corresponding reference numerals. The general construction of storagedevices according to FIGS. 1-4 are discussed at length in internationalpatent application WO 97/20315, the general construction of storagedevices according to FIG. 5 are discussed at length in EP 0 420 350,which publications are understood to be incorporated herein byreference.

FIG. 1 shows a storage device 1 for a data carrier 2. A data carrier 2to be stored may, for instance, be circular, such as compact discs(CD-i, CD-ROM; FIG. 3), or substantially rectangular, such as chipcards,diskettes, minidisks and the like (FIG. 5). The storage device 1according to FIGS. 1-4 is of one-part construction and, for instance,manufactured through injection molding from a relatively environmentallyfriendly, recyclable plastic such as polypropylene. Polypropylene andlike plastics have a relatively high resistance to shocks and tearing, arelatively favorable elastic modulus and can suitably be injectionmolded. Moreover, properly printable, impact-resistant andscratch-resistant plastics are preferably used. However, other plasticsmay also be used, if so desired. As will be further explainedhereinbelow, in particular clear, transparent plastics, such as clearpolypropylene, can be used in an advantageous manner.

A storage device 1 as shown in FIGS. 1-4 comprises a first closing part3, an intermediate part 4 and a second closing part 5, interconnectedvia two integrated pivots 6 adjacent the bottom side, such that theclosing parts 3, 5 can be swiveled from the open position shown in fulllines into a closed position shown in broken lines (FIG. 1).

The first closing part 3 has a top face, a front edge 8 and two firstsidewalls 9 adjoining thereto. The second closing part 5 likewise has atop face 10, two raised second sidewalls 11 and a front edge 8A. In theclosed condition, the second sidewalls 11 abut against the firstsidewalls 9, while the front edge 8 abuts against the front edge 8A ofthe second closing part 5. The bottom side 12 of the intermediate part 4constitutes the fourth wall of the storage device 1 in closed condition,so that it is closed off in an entirely waterproof and dustproof manner.The receiving means 13 for the data carrier 2, which receiving meanswill be specified hereinbelow, are accommodated in the intermediate part4 and, when the storage device 1 is in its closed condition, areaccommodated in the inner space 14 thereof, possibly together with adata carrier 2 included therein.

The intermediate part 4 comprises two spaced apart wall parts 15,interconnected by transverse partitions 16, shown in enlarged view inFIG. 2A. On the side remote from the pivots 6, the walls 15 are providedwith toothed clamping projections 17, while in each case two clampingprojections 17 are positioned opposite each other. Enclosed between theclamping projections 17 is a groove 18 whose width B is slightly smallerthan the thickness D of the data carrier 2 that is to be stored in thestorage device.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the groove 18 extends along a segmentof a circle having a radius R which approximately corresponds to theradius of a circular data carrier, such as a CD, to be included therein.The circular segment encloses an angle α of less than 180°. Preferably,the enclosed angle α is about 120°.

In the embodiment of a storage device 50 according to the inventionshown in FIG. 3, the groove 18 extends along three sides of an imaginaryrectangle CK, shown in the drawing in broken lines. On the side proximalto the pivots 6, three pairs of clamping projections 17 are disposedalong the groove 18, while along the two groove parts 18′ that extend atright angles thereto, one pair of clamping projections is in each caseprovided. In this embodiment, the storage device 50 is in particularsuitable for storing data carriers having a substantially rectangularshape, such as chipcards, creditcards, magnetic cards, diskettes,cassettes, minidisks and the like.

As appears from in particular FIG. 1, in the embodiment shown, a storagedevice according to the present invention is manufactured from clear,transparent plastic, on which a printing 35 is provided, in theembodiment shown symbolically represented by the word “text”, visiblethrough the closing parts 3, 5. There are further provided a bar-codeand a holographic image 37, in the embodiment shown represented by an H.Such holographic images are generally known and are, for instance,supplied by the printer Johan Enschede, the Netherlands. The bar-code 36and the holographic image 37 are provided, along with the printing 35,in or at least on the storage device.

For at least a portion of the printing 35, an ink luminescing underultraviolet or infrared ink, such as a hologram structure, is preferablyused, as known from patent application WO 99/45513, incorporated hereinby reference.

In a storage device according to the present invention, in theembodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a magnetic strip 38 is integrallyinjection molded in the intermediate part 4, which strip is designed forcooperation with detection means installed in, for instance, a shop.Such magnetic strips are known per se in various embodiments. A choicetherefrom is directly clear to a skilled person. Preferably, magneticstrips 38 are used which can contain remotely readable information forauthenticating the storage device. By such magnetic strip, theft of thestorage device with data carrier included therein can be renderedsubstantially more difficult or even be prevented, while, moreover, thetracing and following of the storage device during production processescan thereby be simplified.

Similarly, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, coils 38A are incorporatedfor the same or comparable purposes. Other types of transponders mayalso be applied.

Provided on the longitudinal walls 11 of the second closing part 5 arefingers 25, extending approximately parallel to the plane of thelongitudinal walls 11, slightly displaced inwards relative to the outerside thereof. The fingers 25 extend above the top edge 26 of saidlongitudinal wall 11 over a height which is slightly greater than theheight of the longitudinal walls 9 of the first closing part 3. Atcorresponding positions, openings 24 have been provided in the bottomface 7 of the first closing part 3, through which openings 24 thefingers 25 can extend, such that when the storage device 1 is closed,the top ends 27 extend beyond the bottom face 7. The fingers andopenings are shown more specifically in FIG. 7.

FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of a storage device 70, with datacarrier 2 included therein. In this relatively simple and compactembodiment, the clamping projections 17 are positioned directly on theintermediate part 4 in three pairs, so that the longitudinal edge of thedata carrier 2 lies approximately against the center part 4. Hence, thegroove 18 lies close against the center part and has two interruptedwalls. At their free ends 30, the projections 17 slightly divertoutwards, to form an insert opening for the data carrier 2 towards theclamping parts 31 of the projections 17, which insert opening convergesin the direction of the center part.

In a usual manner, the closing parts 3, 5 are provided with means forincluding text booklets, librettos and like added information means.

FIG. 5 shows a jewel box of the known type, described in EP 0 420 350.However, in this embodiment, an integrated printing 37 is providedaccording to the invention. The resilient fingers 110 are moreoverinterconnected by sealing lips which are melted together after insertionof the CD. As a result, the CD cannot be removed before the sealingmeans are broken. Further, a magnetic strip 38 is integrally injectionmolded in the back 111 of the box, so that the jewel box is alwaystraceable and, moreover, theft thereof is rendered considerably moredifficult. Closing lips 25 and associated openings 24 may be provided,if so desired (not shown).

FIG. 6 schematically shows an apparatus 100 for manufacturing a storagedevice according to the invention, in particular according to FIGS. 1-4.In this Figure, the parts of the mold 101 are designated by thereference numerals of the parts of the storage device. This apparatus100 comprises supply means 102 for a carrier 103 with printing 35-37,tension and transfer means 104 for the carrier 103 and an injectionmolding apparatus 105 with mold 101. On the carrier 103, manufacturedfrom plastic, for instance film-shaped plastic having a thickness ofless than 80 micrometer, for instance 20-30 micrometer, a printing 35 isprovided with transfer ink. Preferably, this printing 35 is partiallytransparent, for instance built up from slightly spaced apart pixels.Preferably, the carrier 103 is transparent, so that the printing isvisible from two sides of the carrier 103. If so desired, there are alsoprovided on the carrier a bar-code 36 and a holographic image 37. Thebar-code 36 may, for instance, be printed or impressed, the holographicimage is, for instance, impressed or glued onto the carrier 103. Thecarrier 103 is rolled up in the supply means 102 and can be supplied,via the roll, to a frame 106 of the tension and transfer means 104. Thecarrier 103 is clamped on the frame 106, such that folds and the likeare pulled smooth. By punch means 107, the carrier is cut to measure,for instance to the size of the first 3 and second closing part 5 andthe intermediate part 4. The carrier 103 is fixed on the frame 106through, for instance, clamping, reduced pressure, adhesion or staticload. Next, by means of the tension and transfer device, the carrier 103is transferred into the mold 101, with the carrier 103 being fixedagainst the wall of the mold 101, opposite the cavity for forming thefixing means. By static load, adhesion, suction or the like, the carrier103 is secured, whereupon the frame 106 is pulled away. By support means39, a magnetic strip 38 or an electric coil 38A or like authenticatingand/or protective means is placed in the mold. Next, the mold 101 isclosed and a plastic mass is introduced into the injection moldingapparatus 105 by means of an injector known per se and schematicallyshown as pump 108. Preferably, this mass has a high melt, for instancehigher than 30 and preferably higher than 50. The mass flows through themold cavity along the carrier 103. This involves sublimation of thecarrier 103, while the printing 35, 36, 37 is incorporated onto and intothe plastic skin of the flowing mass. In so far as the carrier 103 doesnot sublime or burn, it will be incorporated into the mass. Thus, in oneshot, a storage device is obtained having a two-sided printing 35,magnetic strip or coil 38, 38A or the like, bar-code 36 and hologram 37.

Since use is made of a particularly high melt (higher than 20), longflow paths can be used at small wall thicknesses, for instance to lessthan 1 mm. The high melt offers the surprising advantage that thesolidifying plastic mass, rolling down along the mold wall and hence theprinting, which mass forms a thin skin, does not damage the printing(text, image, bar-code and the like), while undesired stresses in thematerial are moreover prevented. Thus, deformations of the storagedevices are prevented. Thin walls offer the advantage that short cycletimes are possible, little material is needed and the storage deviceshave little weight. As a result, dispatch is possible in a simple andadvantageous manner.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6A, a printer head 120 is moveable inthe mold 101 for providing a printing therein, preferably in transferink. Such ink is known per se and is properly incorporated into theplastic without running in an undesired manner. The printer head 120 iscontrolled by a computer 121, whereby the printing can be determined forany storage device to be injection molded. Thus, in principle, theprinting can be adjusted for each individual storage device, forinstance by changing a serial number of by an entirely differentprinting. Thus, an even better authentication is obtained. The computermay, for instance, be connected to a computer network for supplyingdesired printings online.

A storage device according to the invention can be used as follows.

In an injection molding machine as shown in FIG. 6, a storage device 1,50, 70 is manufactured in one production operation and subsequently fedto a packaging line, with the closing parts 3, 5 lying flat on aconveying means, such as a conveyor belt. The intermediate part 4extends approximately vertically, at least approximately at right anglesto the plane of the conveying means and is open at the top (FIG. 1). Adata carrier 2 is simply inserted into receiving means 13 by pressing alongitudinal edge 19 thereof between the clamping projections 17 andpushing it further in the direction of the bottom 20 of the groove 18.This causes the clamping projections 17 to be slightly pressed apart,while a clamping force is created, due to the deformation forces.Accordingly, the clamping projections 17 are pressed against the flatouter surfaces 21 of the data carrier. The groove has such a depth thatinformation-carrying parts K are not reached by the clamping projections17. Next, booklet and the like, if any, can be placed in the receivingmeans intended therefor.

After the data carrier 2 has been inserted between the clampingprojections 17, the closing parts 3, 5 are swiveled in the direction ofthe intermediate part 4 and the data carrier 2, such that the or eachclosure is closed. This involves the fingers 25 slipping into theopenings 24, such that their top ends 27 project therefrom. Next, thesetop ends are heated such that they melt slightly and widen across theedges of the opening 24. The starting position is shown in FIG. 7 on theleft-hand side of the center line, the end situation is shown on theright-hand side. As FIG. 7 clearly demonstrates, the deformed ends 27 ofthe fingers 25 will have to be removed, for instance cut away, beforethe storage device can be opened. Thus, a proper authenticating seal isobtained.

In an alternative embodiment not shown, the fingers 25 are providedagainst an outer side of the wall parts of the opposite closing part.The fingers 25 have then at least partially fused with said wall partsthrough heating, such that the parts have to be cut loose from oneanother before the storage device can be opened. The materials usedallow cutting in a simple manner, without directly involving breakage.Preferably, the fingers are received in slots, such that the sides ofthe storage device remain substantially flat.

FIG. 8 is a front view of a storage device 1 according to the invention,comprising a further alternative embodiment of protective means. In theembodiment shown, the storage device 1, which may have any embodimentshown in this specification, but which may, for instance, also be astorage device for other types of products, such as a bottle with screwcap, as shown schematically in FIG. 9, a package for loose bulk materialsuch as pins and the like or medicine packages, comprises a firstclosing part 3 and a second closing part 5, again interconnected by apivot 6, although loose closing parts can be used as well. In thisspecification, closing parts are also referred to as cover parts.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, a strip-shaped element 40 of slightdimensions compared with the dimensions of the further storage device 1,is attached to the outer side of the storage device. A first end of thestrip-shaped element 40 is secured against the first closing part 3, theopposite end is secured against the second closing part 5. Hence, theelement 40 overlaps the seam 41 formed between the two closing parts andthe two closing parts 3, 5 cannot be swiveled relative to each other. Inthe embodiment shown, the element 40 is provided on the side of thestorage device remote from the pivot 6, for maximum protection. Ofcourse, two or more of such elements 40 can be provided, also againstsides other than the one mentioned. The or each band-shaped element 40has a small thickness, for instance some tenths of millimeters or evenless, for instance film-shaped. Preferably, the element 40 can readilybe cut through or, optionally, torn, without damaging the storage deviceor the contents thereof. For that purpose, in an alternative embodiment,a weakening line may for instance be provided at the level of said seam41.

FIG. 10 schematically shows an apparatus 60 whereby band-shaped elements40 as shown in FIG. 8 can be secured on a storage device in a simple andfast manner. This apparatus 60 comprises a first roll 61 on which astrip 62 of plastic material, preferably of an ultrasonic weldable type,is wound. This strip 62 has a width that is slightly greater than thedesired width of the band-shaped element 40, as appears from FIG. 11.The strip 62 is unwound from said first roll 61 and guided along a sideof a storage device 1 against which the band-shaped element 40 is to besecured. At the level of said side of the storage device, a cutting tool63 is moved against the strip 61 approximately at right angles to thefeed-through direction S, to cut from the strip 62 a strip having thesize of the desired band-shaped element 40, with a part 64 of the stripremaining on either side thereof. The cut or punched band-shaped element40 is subsequently pressed against the storage device and securedagainst it in the desired position, preferably by ultrasonic welding ora like heat-joining technique. The band-shaped element 40 may also beglued against one or both parts 3, 5. The storage devices canautomatically be supplied and discharged, for instance in a direction atright angles to the plane of the drawing. After the band-shaped element40 has been cut from the strip 62, the strip 62 can be wound on a secondroll 65. As the strip remains windable, the operation can be performedat a particularly great speed. Some tens to hundreds of band-shapedelements per minute.

FIG. 9 shows a medicine bottle 120 with screw cap 12, with a band-shapedelement 40 being partially secured on the screw cap 121 and partially onthe medicine bottle 120. Provided on the band-shaped element is a code123, preferably by means of the cutting tool. This code may, forinstance, comprise a date of manufacture, an indication of the type ofmedicine or the like.

It will be understood that when several band-shaped elements 40 are tobe provided against a storage device, an apparatus 60 can have acorresponding number of first and second rolls and cutting tools. Ofcourse, the band-shaped elements 40 may also be provided in anotherdirection, for instance with a feed-through direction S parallel to theseam 41. A relatively long band-shaped element 40 may, for instance,extend over substantially the full length of the relevant side of thestorage device 1. Also, loose band-shaped elements 40 may be suppliedand secured against a storage device.

The invention is by no means limited to the embodiments represented inthe drawings and specification. Many variations thereof are possible.For instance, a storage device according to the invention may bedesigned differently, for instance having several fixing means next toor behind one another, while the storage devices may moreover bemanufactured from other materials. Also, other printing techniques maybe applied. The printing may of course also be provided on the innerside or on both sides. For that matter, it will be clear that theprinting techniques described may also be applied to other types ofproducts. The data carriers may be inserted into the storage device atanother moment, for instance in a shop, whereupon they can be sealed bymeans of said fingers and openings. These and many comparable variationsare understood to fall within the framework of the invention outlined bythe appended claims.

1. A method for manufacturing storage devices for plate-shaped datacarriers, each of said storage devices having a first and a second coverpivotally connected, a fixing means for fixing the data carrier withinthe storage device, said storage device being injection molded fromplastic, and a protective means, the method comprising the steps of:placing a first protective means in a mold, placing a second protectivemeans in the form of a hologram in the mold and subsequently forming atleast a portion of a first storage device against or around the firstand second protective means in the mold through injection molding, suchthat the first and second protective means cannot be removed from therelevant part without damage, said first and second protective meanshaving product information specific to a first data carrier to be storedin said first storage device; placing a third protective means in themold, placing a fourth protective means in the form of a hologram in themold and subsequently forming at least a portion of a second storagedevice against or around said third and fourth protective means byinjection molding, said third and fourth protective means having productinformation specific to a second data carrier to be stored in saidsecond storage device, wherein said product information of said firstand second protective means is different from said product informationof said third and fourth protective means; and controlling the placingof the protective means with a computer, wherein said productinformation for each individual data carrier can be adjusted.
 2. Amethod according to claim 1, wherein both the first and second storagedevices are injection molded in one piece.
 3. A method according toclaim 1, wherein said first and third protective means comprise aprinting provided in the mold prior to forming said storage devices,said printing of said first protective means being different from saidprinting of said third protective means and whereupon plastic in themold is provided against the printing or a carrier carrying theprinting, such that the printing will form an integral part of thestorage device or a part thereof to be formed in the mold.
 4. A methodaccording to claim 3, wherein the printing is introduced into the moldon a carrier.
 5. A method according to claim 4, wherein the carrier isturned towards the adjacent wall of the mold and the plastic is providedagainst the opposite side.
 6. A method according to claim 4, wherein thecarrier is slightly stretched before or during placement in the mold,such that it is pulled taut.
 7. A method according to claim 4, whereinsuch a carrier is applied that under the influence of at least thetemperature of the plastic provided there against, it burns or sublimes,while the printing is incorporated on or into the plastic.
 8. A methodaccording to claim 4, wherein the carrier fuses with the plastic.
 9. Amethod according to claim 4, wherein the carrier with printing issupplied as a strip, in particular from a roll, and is cut directlybefore or during placement.
 10. A method according to claim 3, whereinthe printing is designed as transfer ink.
 11. A method according toclaim 3, wherein the printing is provided in the mold through impressingor printing on a wall part of the mold or a carrier provided thereon.12. A method according to claim 1, wherein the first protective meanscomprises a bar-code.
 13. A method according to claim 3, wherein acarrier is provided in the mold having a printing on two sides, theplastic being provided against the carrier and undetachably connectedthereto.
 14. A method according to claim 13, wherein the carrier is atleast partially transparent.
 15. A method according to claim 1, whereinthe first protective means comprise magnetic and/or electronic meanswhich are positioned on a carrier in the mold, whereupon plastic issquirted around the magnetic and/or electronic means, such that thecarrier is enclosed or incorporated therein or disappears therein, forinstance through burning or sublimation.
 16. A storage device for aplate-shaped data carrier comprising: a first and a second coverpivotally connected; a fixing means for fixing the data carrier withinthe storage device; a first protective means integrally injection moldedwithin one of said first and second covers such that said firstprotective means cannot be removed from the storage device withoutdamage, said first protective means having product information specificto a data carrier to be stored in said storage device; and a secondprotective means in the form of a hologram integrally injection moldedwithin one of said first and second covers such that said secondprotective means cannot be removed from the storage device withoutdamage, said second protective means having product information specificto the data carrier to be stored in said storage device.
 17. A storagedevice as defined in claim 16, wherein said first and second covers andsaid fixing means are injection molded in one piece.
 18. A storagedevice as defined in claim 16, wherein said first protective meanscomprise a printing provided in a mold prior to forming said storagedevice, whereupon plastic in the mold is provided against the printingor a carrier carrying the printing, such that the printing will form anintegral part of the storage device or a part thereof to be formed inthe mold.
 19. A storage device as defined in claim 18, wherein theprinting comprises a transfer ink.
 20. A storage device as defined inclaim 16, wherein the first protective means comprises a bar-code.
 21. Astorage device as defined in claim 18, wherein said printing is adouble-sided printing.
 22. A storage device as defined in claim 16,wherein said first protective means comprises magnetic and/or electronicmeans.